Grace Notes 2023-03-29

Wednesday, March 29th 2023

My address to you this week is on a practical matter. We are less than a month away from breaking in a new hymnal, the official hymn book of the Missouri Synod, the LSB (Lutheran Service Book). Sunday, April 16, the Second Sunday of Easter, is when we plan to make the transition.

This represents a change. Especially with so many changes about us these days, there is a natural resistance to change. It upsets our comfort level. It trips us up on what had become routine and felt natural. The desire for some things to stay put is nothing to be ashamed of. There is a certain sense of security in things permanent. Buildings last a lot longer when built on a firm foundation.

The good news with the change to the LSB is that the two musical settings for the order of worship that we are used to are also found in the LSB. There is only a slight variation in the wording here and there, and perhaps with a note or two. Most of the hymns we are accustomed to are also in the new hymn book. For the most part the change will not be radical.

That said, with the minor changes I anticipate that our tongues will trip up for a little while in the weeks to follow. We will notice different wording for the Psalms. They are taken from the English Standard Version, which in the long run will be an improvement. I anticipate we will also enjoy some new hymns. There is a hymn for the Ten Commandments! We might enjoy one of the settings that will be new to us. But even with improvements, it nonetheless is a change.

We are not required to use the LSB, but in gaining familiarity with it we will be more conversant with our sister congregations. We will also be better positioned for transferring members to and from other Missouri Synod congregations. I believe it will be a good change. But it nonetheless is a change, and that takes some adjusting to...

 

Since You Asked…

What are we observing on “The Sunday of the Passion”? 

To many this day is known simply as Palm Sunday. And indeed, the prelude to Jesus’ final week begins with his triumphal entry into Jerusalem which involved a procession of Palms and shouts of joy. And yet, Jesus knows full well what lies ahead. He will be wounded and killed. He knows that blood will be spilled and flow from His head, hands, feet, and side. He knows his death on the cross will bring about a great victory over sin, death, and the devil. The horror of being severely wounded lies ahead, and yet he will not be deterred. It is for this purpose that He has come into this world.

In remembering his joyful and triumphant entry, we realize the irony of crowds that one week hail Him as King, and the next week cry “Crucify Him!” Palm Sunday is the prelude to the Cross in which all the events of the rest of the week participate.

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